Supercomputer predicts Rugby World Cup winners with England facing semi-final heartache after crucial Fiji clash

The Sun
 
Supercomputer predicts Rugby World Cup winners with England facing semi-final heartache after crucial Fiji clash

ENGLAND are tipped to beat Fiji in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals this weekend.

But Steve Borthwick's men are then backed to crash out at the semi-final stage.

England concluded their group stage campaign by edging past Samoa 18-17 on Saturday.

Prior to beating Samoa, England overcame Argentina, Japan and Chile.

Boffins and brainiacs over at Sportsbreaks.com have crunched the numbers to predict who will come out on top in France.

After doing their sums, they reckon that England have a 71.4 per cent chance of beating Fiji and reaching the semi-finals.

But with the winner of the mouthwatering quarter-final between France and holders South Africa lying in wait, England are not given a good chance of reaching the final.

Borthwick and Co are given just a 22.8 per cent probability of reaching the final - with France favoured at 39.2 per cent and South Africa at 35.3 per cent.

Should England defy the odds to beat either France or South Africa, they will take on one of Wales, Argentina, Ireland or New Zealand.

They are then given just an 8.8 per cent chance of emulating the heroes of 2003 and lifting the Webb Ellis Cup.

Ireland are favourites to win the competition with a 21.1 per cent shot, with France second on 20.1 per cent.

South Africa are next on 18.9, with the All Blacks of New Zealand then given a 17.1 per cent chance.

Wales are next, narrowly above England on 9.1 per cent.

Argentina are extreme outside bets at 3.9 per cent, only above Fiji on one per cent.